"Please consider that features exceeding its class have been applied."
This was Hyundai's response to questions about the pricing of the eighth-generation 'All New Avante'.
As the Avante, synonymous with 'first car', has grown into a mid-size segment and is equipped with numerous technologies from higher vehicle classes, attention is focused on its price, scheduled for release in August. On the 29th, Hyundai held the 'All New Avante Tech Day' at Arc Gangnam, Seocho-gu, Seoul, revealing key technologies applied to the eighth-generation Avante and the background of its development. This is a completely redesigned model launched six years after the seventh generation was released in July 2020.
The overall length of the new Avante has increased by 55mm from the previous model to 4,765mm. The width and wheelbase have also expanded by 30mm each to 1,855mm and 2,750mm respectively, bringing it closer to mid-size segment standards. The proportion of high-strength steel sheets has been raised to 58.7%, achieving an average tensile strength of 718MPa. A Hyundai official explained this as "rigidity on par with premium large sedans."
In response to concerns that the new Avante might sacrifice the advantages of being easy to drive for first-time buyers, Lee Hyung-soo, a senior researcher at Hyundai's Exterior Design Team 2, explained: "We determined that providing customers with more spacious interiors and improved design within the same subcompact class offers greater value than the benefits gained from a smaller vehicle." The intention is to ensure even first-time car buyers can enjoy technologies and convenience features typically found in higher-class vehicles.
The powertrain has been reorganized into gasoline 2.0 and 1.6 HYBE Lead configurations. The existing gasoline 1.6 Avante model will be discontinued. The gasoline 2.0 model delivers a maximum output of 149 horsepower, an increase of 26 horsepower over the previous version, and is paired with an intelligent variable transmission (IVT).
The most significantly changed model is the HYBE Lead. It combines the third-generation Smartstream 1.6 GDI HYBE Lead engine with a second-generation 6-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), a drive motor delivering 45kW of maximum output, and a 1.49kWh high-voltage battery. The system's combined maximum output is 157 horsepower, an increase of 16 horsepower over the previous model. Acceleration performance from standstill to 100km/h has improved by 5.8%, while overtaking acceleration from 80km/h to 120km/h has improved by 16.7%. The maximum speed has also increased from 178km/h to 187km/h.
Alongside performance improvements, fuel efficiency was developed with the goal of achieving approximately 10% better mileage compared to the previous model based on 17-inch wheels. Engine-specific fuel efficiency was improved by about 2.9%, and weight and friction losses in the transmission were reduced. At low speeds, regenerative braking range was expanded to increase energy recovery. Technologies such as '4th Generation Smart Intake', which mixes internal and external air based on indoor humidity, and control systems that adjust air conditioner compressor operation were also applied to reduce power consumption required for cooling.
For the first time at Hyundai Motor Company, 'SBW P-Mode Emergency Braking' has been applied, which limits acceleration and applies braking force to all four wheels by continuously pressing the electronic shift lever's P button in unexpected situations. When vehicle speed drops below 1km/h, the electronic parking brake engages. Pedal misoperation safety assistance, which limits driving power and applies braking when the accelerator pedal is mistakenly pressed instead of the brake, has also been standard equipment.
The interior features the next-generation infotainment system 'Pleos Connect' based on either a 14.6-inch or 12.9-inch display. It also provides an open app market for downloading external applications and includes the generative AI assistant 'Gleo AI'.
Pricing and official fuel efficiency figures have not yet been finalized. On this day, Jeong Jae-hwan, a senior researcher at Hyundai's MSV Electrification Fuel Efficiency Testing Team, stated: "We plan to announce pricing in line with the sales launch scheduled for August."
in INDUSTRY
